Beer Walk: Able Seedhouse + Brewery

After a stretch of cold, windy days, my husband Scott and I were thrilled to see that Sunday, April 10 was forecasted to be sunny and between 40 and 50 degrees. Perfect weather for another beer walk after having so much fun on our Wabasha Brewing Company walk. This time we chose to walk to Northeast Minneapolis, where there is a large concentration of breweries. Once again, this walk proved that getting there is half the fun!

The Destination and Route

Caught My Eye Along the Way

From Minnehaha Parkway, we walked north on Dupont Avenue South a street lined with large homes. One in particular has always stood out to me because it looks like it sits sideways on its lot.

Front view of home on Dupont Avenue in Minneapolis

Side view of home on Dupont Avenue in Minneapolis

A couple of political lawn signs stood out to me.

Giant Roosters for Hillary

Bernie Blocks

I love taking note of how much building styles have changed over the years. The amount of detail that went into buildings like 3426 Girard Avenue South in Minneapolis is incredible and seems unfathomable today. Has anyone been inside one of these buildings in the CARAG neighborhood? They’re sprinkled throughout.

3426 Girard Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN

When we walked through a temporary covered sidewalk on Lagoon Avenue, I felt like I was in a grounded skyway. I’m not going to lie – in a rainstorm, this is where I’d like to be walking.

Construction walkway on Lagoon Avenue in Minneapolis

After walking along the eastern edge of Lake of the Isles, we walked through Lowry Hill neighborhood along Waverly Place and Kenwood Parkway. We walk in this area quite a bit because the winding streets make me feel like I’m in a different city. This time around, we spotted a small home that is surrounded by much larger homes. Thanks to Zillow, I know a bit more about it!

Home on Kenwood Parkway in Minneapolis

Soccer with a view

Old school buildings always catch my eye. After our walk, I read a bit about the history of both The Blake School and Dunwoody College of Technology. I’d love to take an architecture class focused on school buildings. Someone, please make that happen!

I love watching people take photos in front of Spoonbridge and Cherry at Walker Art Center’s Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. I’ve taken many myself but now I try to capture the action surrounding the sculpture.

Classic Minneapolis photo op at Spoonbridge and Cherry

When I walked by the Basilica of St. Mary, a sign advertising “Blessing of the Wheels” got my attention. The event description states “If it rolls, we’ll bless it! … Individuals from all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs are invited to receive this blessing for a safe year on the road.”

Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis will host a blessing of the wheels on Sunday, May 15, 2016

I love snapping photos of beautiful old buildings and then learning later that they have been designated as historically significant. Such is the case for Swinford Townhouses and Apartments. Built in 1886, this red beauty on Hawthorn Avenue North used to overlook a beautiful park. Now Interstate 394 is just steps away. The Historic Swinfords are now part of Laurel Village and can be rented.

Swinford Townhouses and Apartments, 1225 Hawthorn Avenue, Minneapolis

As we approached the core of downtown Minneapolis, I was reminded once again how much I hate surface lots surrounding our downtown. Related: Dark Souls III.

Sad parking lot with a view

When walking, remember to look up. You may find an interesting detail from a new perspective.

Look up!

Anyone know the history or purpose behind this tiny skyway?

Skyway

Grain Belt sign on Hennepin Avenue bridge

It’s hard to see but someone has painted “HEAVY METAL” on the train tracks on Nicollet Island.

Heavy Metal

A little after 1:30 p.m., we arrived at Able Seedhouse + Brewery. 1121 Quincy is a handsome building with a lot of space for indoor and outdoor fun. Though I don’t have a personal memory of the building before the brewery, this Star Tribune article gives an idea of the improvement made.

Able Seedhouse + Brewery, 1121 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis

Scott started with a half pint of House Red (American Red Ale) followed by a First Light (American IPA) and I had BLK WLF (Stout) on nitro.

Taps at Able Seedhouse + Brewery and Scott enjoying a House Red beer

Scott outside Able Seedhouse + Brewery

Bonus Stops & Bike Ride

When we’re in Northeast Minneapolis, it’s nearly impossible for us to stop at one brewery. There are so many great restaurants and breweries clustered together that you can make a day out of exploring several. In the past we’ve walked to as many as three in a day.

We decided to continue exploring the area and walk to Dangerous Man. On the way, we walked past Indeed Brewing Company, reminding us that next time we should just stay the weekend.

It was after 2:30 p.m. and we hadn’t eaten so we stopped at The Anchor Fish & Chips which manages to transport me from 13th Avenue northeast to a coastal town.

The Anchor Fish & Chips 302 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis

Dangerous Man is a popular hangout and now has a growler shop next door where you can get their tasty brews to go or stock up on your bearded swag. I had a peanut butter porter and Scott had a Hop Hash Double IPA.

Scott at Dangerous Man

I love all of the bright colors you’ll find throughout the Northeast Arts District. House colors, sculptures, and murals all weave an interesting landscape for the neighborhood. An urban walker’s paradise.

Bright porches

Metal Cow of Northeast at Sentyrz Market

Welcome to Northeast Arts District mural

One thing that was different about this beer walk is that we supplemented it with a bike ride thanks to Nice Ride. I am participating in 30 Days of Biking so I wanted to explore northeast on two wheels. Bike sharing makes that so easy and there are several stations throughout this part of Minneapolis. After we rode to 56 Brewing only to discover it is not open on Sundays (we’ll be back!), we rode to St. Anthony Main. After a stroll around that area, we took a Car2Go home.

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About Janelle Nivens

Janelle is an urban explorer who likes to challenge herself to walk long distances (40 miles is her record). She lives in southwest Minneapolis with Scott and their adorable dog Stewie and works at the University of Minnesota. Janelle documents what catches her eye on long walks in hopes of inspiring others to discover hidden gems in their own communities. Walk with her on Instagram, Twitter (@Janellie23), and FitBit.

Joe, thanks and fantastic to hear you’re going on a beer walk! That area is another great example of natural brewery tour. If you’re feeling ambitious, I’d suggest a pitstop at Bad Weather in between Summit and Flat Earth!

My wife and I were enjoying fish and chips at the outdoor seating at the Anchor a couple of summers ago when a cat crossed the street carrying a huge dead rat in its mouth. It was awesome. The couple at the other table saw it, too. We had one of those uniting moments when barriers between people broke down and we all started talking about the bravery of the cat, its obvious prowess, and the service it had rendered mankind through its actions.

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